A complete guide
Haʻena Beach Park
Kauai

Haena Beach Park, also known as Tunnels Beach, is located on the north shore of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, due to its clear, turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs. The beach is also known for its long stretches of white sand and lush tropical vegetation. There are facilities for picnicking, camping, and showering, as well as a lifeguard on duty. The beach park is also adjacent to Haena State Park, which offers hiking trails and cultural sites.

Haena Beach Park is considered one of the best beaches in Kauai, and is a must-see destination for visitors to the island. The beach is known for its clear, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine life. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, with gentle waves that are suitable for people of all skill levels.

One of the main attractions of Haena Beach Park is the nearby Ke'e Beach, which is the starting point for the Kalalau Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in Hawaii. The trail winds along the Na Pali Coast, offering spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs.

The park also offers facilities for picnicking and camping, as well as showers and restrooms. There is also a lifeguard on duty during the day to ensure that visitors are safe while enjoying the beach.

Haena Beach Park is also adjacent to Haena State Park, which offers a variety of cultural and historical sites, including ancient Hawaiian fishponds, heiau (temples), and petroglyphs. Visitors to the park can also take guided tours to learn more about the area's history and culture.

Overall, Haena Beach Park is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone, from swimming and snorkeling to hiking and cultural exploration.

Weather - best time to visit?

Kauai's climate is tropical, and the water temperature is consistently warm, making it possible to swim all year round. More information about the temperature and beach conditions in Kauai

Where to park

Haena Beach Park has a parking lot located near the beach park, but it can fill up quickly during peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early.

The parking lot is located at the end of Kuhio Highway (Highway 560) and it's the only one available in the area, the parking fee is $5 per vehicle per day. There's also a shuttle service from Princeville to Ke'e Beach (the end of the road) that stops at Haena Beach Park, which is a great option to avoid traffic and parking issues.

It's important to note that the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak season, and the daily visitor limit is also in place, so it's advisable to check the park's website or with the local authorities for more information on this, and to make a reservation in advance if possible.

You can also park along the side of the road, but it's not recommended as it can be unsafe, and also it's illegal and can result in a ticket.

When parking, make sure to lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight, as petty theft can occur in tourist areas.

If you're staying nearby, biking or walking is a great option to get to the park, and it's also a great way to reduce the carbon footprint and enjoy the scenery.

Popular activities

Haena Beach Park is a popular destination for a wide range of activities, including:

• Swimming: The park's clear, calm waters and sandy beach make it a great spot for swimming.
• Snorkeling: Haena Beach Park is a popular spot for snorkeling, as the waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
• Sunbathing: Visitors often relax on the beach, enjoying the sun and the beautiful scenery.
• Hiking: The park is located near the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, which offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the coast.
• Exploring ancient Hawaiian sites: Haena Beach Park is home to several ancient Hawaiian sites, including the legendary "Birthing Stones," which were used by Hawaiian women to give birth. These sites are of great cultural and historical significance, and are a popular destination for those interested in history and culture.
• Surfing: Haena beach park is also a popular spot for experienced surfers, as the waves can be quite large and challenging.

It's important to note that safety should always be a priority, and visitors should be aware of their abilities and the conditions before engaging in activities, and obey posted warning signs, and if unsure about the conditions, ask a lifeguard or park ranger for advice.

Wildlife

Haena Beach Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. In the ocean, visitors may spot a variety of fish, including parrotfish, triggerfish, and surgeonfish, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and even humpback whales during the winter months. On land, visitors may see Hawaiian monk seals, which are a protected species and often found lounging on the beach. Additionally, there are many types of birds that can be spotted such as Hawaiian geese, frigatebirds, and tropicbirds.

It's important to note that it's important to respect the wildlife and their habitat, avoiding disturbing them and following all posted rules and guidelines to help preserve these unique species for future generations to enjoy.

What to eat

There are several dining options near Haena Beach Park. Some popular options include:

• Tropical Taco: This casual spot serves a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
• Hanalei Taro & Juice Co: This casual eatery serves traditional Hawaiian fare, including poke bowls, taro burgers, and smoothies made with fresh tropical fruits.
• Postcards Cafe: Located in Hanalei town, this casual cafe serves breakfast, sandwiches, and salads, with views of the Hanalei River and mountains.
• Bar Acuda: A fine dining restaurant that serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including seafood, pasta, and meat dishes.
• Sushi Girl: Located in Hanalei, this sushi spot serves traditional sushi and sashimi, as well as poke bowls and other Japanese-inspired dishes.

These are just a few examples, there are many other options that can cater to different preferences and budgets, it's worth checking online for reviews and making reservations in advance, especially during peak season.

Nearby landmarks

Haena Beach Park is located on the north shore of Kauai in Hawaii, and is close to several popular landmarks and attractions. Here are approximate distances to a few notable landmarks from Haena Beach Park:

• Hanalei Bay: 2 miles (3.2 km)
• Napali Coast State Wilderness Park: 5 miles (8 km)
• Limahuli Garden and Preserve: 6 miles (9.6 km)
• Waimea Canyon State Park: 15 miles (24 km)
• Wailua Falls: 17 miles (27.4 km)

It's worth noting that these distances are approximate, and the actual distance may vary depending on the specific location within the park or the landmark. Also, keep in mind that many of the landmarks and attractions in Kauai, such as the Napali Coast, are only accessible by hiking or by boat, so the distances provided are the nearest point to access them by car.

Who visits

Haena Beach Park is a popular destination for a wide variety of visitors, including tourists and locals. The park's clear, calm waters and sandy beach make it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Additionally, the park's location on the north shore of Kauai, with its lush tropical landscape and nearby ancient Hawaiian sites, makes it a popular spot for those interested in nature and culture.

Many visitors come to Haena Beach Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery, swim in the clear ocean, and relax on the beach. The beach park is also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, as the waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Haena Beach Park is also known for its ancient Hawaiian sites, including the legendary "Birthing Stones," which were used by Hawaiian women to give birth. These sites, along with the park's beautiful natural setting, make it an attractive destination for those interested in history and culture.

It's important to note that the park can be overcrowded during peak season, and also, the park has a daily visitor limit, so it's advisable to check the park's website or with the local authorities for more information on this, and to make a reservation in advance if possible.

How to get there

Haena Beach Park is located on the north shore of Kauai in Hawaii. There are several ways to get there, depending on your location and mode of transportation.

• By Car: If you are staying on Kauai, the easiest way to get to Haena Beach Park is by car. The park is located on Kuhio Highway (Highway 560), and is easily accessible from the main road. There is a parking lot near the beach park, but it can fill up quickly during peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early.
• By Shuttle: The county of Kauai operates a shuttle service from Princeville to Ke'e Beach (the end of the road) that stops at Haena Beach Park. The shuttle service runs from early morning to late afternoon and tickets can be purchased on the bus, it's a great option if you want to avoid traffic and parking issues.
• By Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available on Kauai and can be used to get to Haena Beach Park. This can be a convenient option, especially if you are staying in a location that is not easily accessible by car.
• By Bike: If you are staying in Hanalei or nearby, you can also bike to the park, it's a lovely and healthy way to get there but keep in mind that the road can be busy and the terrain hilly.
• It's important to note that the park can be busy during peak season, and there is a daily visitor limit, so it's advisable to check the park's website or with the local authorities for more information on this, and to make a reservation in advance if possible.

Safety considerations

Haena Beach Park is generally considered a safe area for visitors. However, as with any tourist destination, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. The most common crime that occurs in tourist areas is petty theft, such as pickpocketing or theft from vehicles, so it's important to keep valuables out of sight and to secure your vehicle when parked.

Safety in the water is also important, as the ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous. Visitors should be aware of the conditions and obey posted warning signs, and if unsure about the conditions, ask a lifeguard or park ranger for advice. It's also important to be aware of the risks of marine life, such as jellyfish and sharks, and to follow all posted guidelines and instructions.

It's also important to be aware of and respect the local culture and natural environment, such as not disturbing wildlife, and not removing or disturbing cultural artifacts, and respecting the park rules and regulations.

History

Haena Beach Park is located on the north shore of Kauai in Hawaii, and has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by native Hawaiians for centuries, and there are several ancient Hawaiian sites located within the park.

One of the most notable ancient sites in the park is the "Birthing Stones," which were used by Hawaiian women to give birth. The stones are believed to have been used as a place of birthing for Hawaiian royalty and commoners alike, and are of great cultural and historical significance.

The area around Haena Beach Park was also an important agricultural center for ancient Hawaiians. Taro, a staple crop in ancient Hawaii, was grown in the fertile valleys near the park, and the nearby streams were used to irrigate the fields.

In more recent history, Haena Beach Park was used as a location for the filming of several Hollywood movies, including "South Pacific" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

The park, along with the Napali Coast, was also a popular destination for backpackers and hikers in the 1970s and 80s, and it was during that time that the state of Hawaii established the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, which includes Haena Beach Park.

Today, Haena Beach Park continues to be a popular destination for visitors, who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, swim in the clear ocean, and explore the ancient Hawaiian sites. The park also offers a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the island's culture and history, and also to respect and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

More beaches on Kauai

• Kekaha Beach Park
• Salt Pond Beach Park
• Poipu Beach Park
• Lydgate Pond
• Lydgate Beach
• Kealia Beach Park
• Anahola Beach Park
• Hanalei Bay
• Haʻena Beach Park
• Keʻe Beach